Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 1, 2026 (BSS) - Advocate Mohammad Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, has said sports and cultural activities play a vital role in developing students' multifaceted talents and can help bring international recognition to Bangladesh.

Referring to the government's education policy, he said sports will be made mandatory from the fourth grade and various initiatives have been taken to ensure the overall development of young learners.

"In addition to sports, students should also engage in music, hamd-naat and poetry recitation to develop their talents," he said, adding that sports and cultural activities offer opportunities for gaining recognition on the global stage.

He made the remarks while addressing the prize-giving ceremony of a kabaddi tournament at Boro Baria in Paba Upazila of the district on Sunday afternoon as the chief guest.

Milon said Rajshahi and Bangladesh would earn greater international recognition through kabaddi in the future while preserving the heritage of rural Bengal.

He also stressed the importance of technical education alongside moral and religious values to help build future generations as ideal citizens.

Expressing hope, he said future political leaders like Begum Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman and Zaima Rahman, as well as skilled sports organisers like Arafat Rahman Koko, would emerge from the younger generation.

The lawmaker also informed that a pilot project has been launched by distributing Family Cards to 669 housewives in Ward No. 5 of Harian Union in the Paba-Mohanpur area.

He said the cards would be distributed to all housewives in the area within the next three to four years after the national budget is passed.

At the end of the programme, he distributed prizes among the champion and runner-up teams.

A total of eight teams participated in both the boys' and girls' sections of the day-long kabaddi tournament. Rajshahi emerged champions in both categories, while Joypurhat finished runners-up.

The event was presided over by Minarul Islam Munsur, president of the Boro Baria Rajani Club.

Special guests present included Paba Upazila BNP Member Secretary Abdur Razzak and Joint Convener Sultan Ahmed, along with various leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organizations and local dignitaries.